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A 997.2 PDK –I found the the Porsche experience to be more "raw" but not necessarily better. Driving an M3 and a 911 back to back – IMO both were fast, fun to drive, and endowed with magical sounds. The BMW felt heavier especially at lower speeds but lightened up considerably as speeds increased. Overall, The BMW was more predictable and secure. The steering of the Porsche was braille like, but I also liked the M3's steering and preferred the signature M wheel.

In terms of driving experience, I could have debated the finer points of each , then made equally valid counter points ad infinitum, but in the end I preferred the BMW given the M3's superior comfort, flexibility, and overall feeling of solidity. The Porsche I drove had a few minor rattles – not expected while the M3 felt like it was carved from a solid billet. I am 6'3" and 210 lbs and I have always found that 911s a compromise in terms of comfort, while the M3 is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven. Furthermore, although my family was indifferent, my German shepherd dog preferred the BMW.

In terms of the styling – I owned Porsches in the past and I like the styling but I am not wowed by the 911 mystique – indeed, I prefer the very purposeful honed exterior and interior styling of the M3. The base 911 interior is very Spartan. Moreover, my neighborhood is a sea of Porsches, I liked the idea of driving an alternative – Porsche – There Is A Substitute.

Test drove an S5, it wasn't on par. Tried to test drive a C63 Coupe (a few months ago), and dealers wouldn't let me. ED M3 last week, and couldn't be happier (unless the car was already back in the states). I've been dreaming about an E92 M3 since I did M school in 2009, so the other cars would have needed to be REALLY good to make me change.

Tested the M3 in Dec 2010 and fell in love but decided to go with an E92 335i M-Sport DCT for a couple of reasons and thought I had gotten rid of the M3 bug. Fast forward 2012 and was toying with the idea of the new 335i sedan. Drove it but did not like the steering feel so for the first time in 7 years, ventured towards the "other side". Tried C63AMG and didn't do it for me. Tested the Audi S4 and was the same.

Had pretty much decided to stay status quo or look at a 5er when an innocent question to the Sales Manager led to a hushed discussion which led to a deep and meaningful and culminated in an M3. All in 2 hours without a test drive

Up to then the M3 was not in my mind. So, never underestimate the power of your subconscious desires because when you least expect it it says hello

Oh and having a great dealership with an excellent sales team is the vital link

F10 M5 but didn't want another big carmsomwent with the M3 and boy am I glad about my decision today...I'm taking delivery on Thurs and the current stop on all M5s I don't know what would've happened with my ED plans.

I also considered and test drove c63 amg, lexus isf, s4, ctsV. In addition i considered R8 v10 and Gallardo but decided they were simply too impractical for me (2 seats and no real trunk just doesn't work). None of these comparisons turned out to be bad cars but the e90 m3 was by far the most refined. The four doors are very useful and the extra 22lbs. does't seem noticeable. In fact, a e90 without a sunroof weighs less than a coupe with a sunroof.

I also considered waiting for for the new m5 (I bought mine last year) but the massive size and weight of the new m5 didn't appeal to me.

C63 AMG(Had one on order) Cayman S, even a 335iS. Having the privilege to own the first and last V8 M3 was something I wasn't going to pass up. Especially since I'm hearing what the rumors are saying about electric steering.

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Originally Posted by CaptainAudio

In the words of one of Bimmerfest's greatest minds:"Been there, done that"

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Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Half the fun of succeeding in life is fighting the fight and making it.

i think i am going to have to just try to regain trust and find a dealer and order another one

Will you explain yourself for me please?

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Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. Albert Einstein

Swim upstream. Go the other way. Ignore the conventional wisdom. If everybody is doing it one way, there’s a good chance you can find your niche by going exactly in the opposite direction", Sam Walton.

I owned various 911's before. Bought the Turbo since it was not my only drive. There is really no comparison once you get used to driving the 911. Within reason, nothing comes close.

__________________

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. Albert Einstein

Swim upstream. Go the other way. Ignore the conventional wisdom. If everybody is doing it one way, there’s a good chance you can find your niche by going exactly in the opposite direction", Sam Walton.

I owned various 911's before. Bought the Turbo since it was not my only drive. There is really no comparison once you get used to driving the 911. Within reason, nothing comes close.

Yeah a 997 TT is a very engaging ride, but not one I would necessarily choose, especially if I was going to put some miles on the car. I remember the advice of seasoned old hands at the PCA who would repeat the mantra – buy the newest – lowest mileage Porsche you can afford since the cost of maintenance over the long term can be a very significant number. Moreover, if you put a lot of miles on a 911 – you can expect not only stiff maintenance bills, but also a significant hit in terms of depreciation. Following this line of thinking – a CPO 997.2 Carrera or Carrera S might be more attractive than an older higher mileage Turbo. Bottom line – there is no free lunch – if you are going to play in the turbo world – expect to pay either up front for a newer car or over the long term for maintenance on an older car. My experience - turbos are expensive.

Moreover, being tall – 6'3" 210 lbs., I have always been hard pressed to find a comfortable driving position in a 911 that I can tolerate over a long drive. My left leg and size 13 shoe have never been able to find a comfortable home in a 911 until the 991. Furthermore, I find both the general noise level and ride can be exhausting in older 911s. Perhaps most critically, although my family is willing to indulge my purchase of a 911, my current German shepherd dog is not so amenable.

In terms of my needs and desires, I consider myself very fortunate that I find my M3 to be perfect - within reason, nothing comes close. But in the end these are personal decisions, based as much, if not more, on emotion and passion - as such all the reasonable reasons for or against are just personal rationalizations - if turbo is in your blood - you are going to drive a turbo. I salute your passionate choice.